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Nate Diaz Files Lawsuit Against Fanmio Over Unpaid Fight Earnings

Nate Diaz, a renowned mixed martial artist, has filed a federal lawsuit against Fanmio, Inc. and its president Solomon Engel, alleging that the promotion owes him $9 million for his appearance in a recent boxing match. The lawsuit claims that Fanmio failed to pay Diaz the agreed-upon amount, despite assurances that the payment would be made immediately following the event.

According to the lawsuit, Fanmio agreed to pay Diaz $10 million for the fight, with $1 million paid upfront and the remaining $9 million paid immediately after the event. However, Diaz has yet to receive the second payment, and Engel has since told Diaz’s representatives that the event did not achieve the financial success expected, especially on pay-per-view, and payment is impossible.

Engel denied the allegations in a statement, claiming that Diaz has already been paid seven figures in connection with the fight and that the lawsuit is frivolous. However, the lawsuit alleges that Engel and Fanmio are now reneging on their written and oral promises and guarantees to pay Diaz the remaining $9 million.

The lawsuit also claims that Engel made desperate calls to Diaz’s representatives after the event, expressing concern about the financial losses and even threatening to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying Diaz what he owed. The suit describes Engel’s behavior as "despicable" and claims that there is nothing lower or more despicable in the world of boxing than a promoter who allows a fighter to put their health and safety on the line for the sake of profits, only to later renege on paying the boxer.

Diaz and his representatives had repeatedly expressed concern about Fanmio’s ability to fulfill the contract, but were assured via written and verbal promises that the remaining $9 million was in a secure independent account and ready to be transferred. The lawsuit claims that Diaz would have never participated in the event if his representatives had not received these assurances.

Fanmio is a promotion business based in South Florida, and has been involved in numerous high-profile events, including a 2021 exhibition boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul and a 2022 slap fighting card presented along with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Masvidal and his team are not party to this lawsuit and have not offered comment.

The lawsuit seeks damages and other relief, and is a stark reminder of the financial risks and uncertainties that fighters face in the world of professional boxing.